Educational Coordinator - TRIO Upward Bound

About ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Title of PositionEducational Coordinator -TRIO Upward BoundPosting LocationAbilene TexasDepartmentTRIO Upward BoundEmployee ClassExempt Full-timeBasic ResponsibilitiesBasic Responsibilities include the following: (Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Program Director. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.)
A. Ensure accomplishment of program objectives.
B. Maintain program ongoing academic year activities.
C. Support program Summer Academy activities.
D. Participate in the overall evaluation and continuation of program effectiveness.Essential Duties

A. Ensure accomplishment of program objectives.

1. Coordinate and conduct college readiness seminars and persistence workshops to all current program participants during the academic year and Summer Academy.
2. Guide students and families through the full college admissions process including applications essays FAFSA scholarships and decision-making.
3. Provide individualized advising to help students research and select postsecondary institutions understand financial aid and identify the best-fit academic pathways.
4. Meet with students on a regular basis to ensure students are on track to achieve their college and career goals.
5. Collaborate with the Program Director and staff to
maintain effective participant retention strategies.
6. Track and document progress toward post-secondary achievement for current and past participants.
7. Use data-driven approaches and relational advising strategies to support retention and college-going behaviors.

B. Maintain program ongoing academic year activities.

1. Assist Program Director and staff with the yearly recruiting and application process of new participants.
2. Screen interview and select eligible program participants in target schools based on established eligibility requirements.
3. Develop and deliver college readiness curriculum for participants of all grade levels in relation to program objectives and organize college site visits.
4. Provide academic college career and financial aid guidance to all program participants during tutoring Thursday and quarterly Saturday sessions.
5. Assist participants in initiating or resuming a postsecondary educational program of study. 6. Organize college tours and exposure experiences.

C. Support program Summer Academy activities.
1. Collaborate with Director and program staff in planning and executing Summer Academy curriculum and monitor participants during activities as needed.
2. Secure and monitor summer career shadowing opportunities for participants.
3. Build resource base for and secure instructors for the Summer Academy curriculum in alignment with grant directives.
4. Recruit select train and supervise advisors for the Summer Academy in collaboration with Program Director.
5. Assist graduating participants with enrollment in summer and fall college courses as well as coordinate the collection distribution and return of summer textbooks.
6. Monitor and teach participants during Summer Academy courses as needed.

D. Participate in the overall evaluation and continuation of program effectiveness.

1. Provide input and recommendations regarding program student services.
2. Contribution to the preparation and submission of program annual performance report (APR) to the U.S. Department and other evaluative reports.
3. Promote consistent program-related communication with participants and parents through programs Facebook page newsletters etc.
4. Collaborate with Program Director and staff to meet program internal goals and objectives.
5. Utilize technology tools (e.g. AI-driven college/career planning software CRMs) to enhance advising and
administrative tasks.
6. Stay current with trends in college access advising and the ethical use of AI in education.

Professional Development Requirements

A. Skills Required

1. Excellent organization and communication skills.
2. Working knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes.
3. Working knowledge of database functions.
4. Understanding of the current technology to develop and maintain proper documentation of students and their activities.

B. Training Modules Required: Must have experience or be willing to be trained in:

1. Microsoft Office Software
a. Word
b. Excel
c. Publisher
2. Google
a. Gmail
b. Google Docs
c. Google Calendar

d. Google Sheets
3. Apple Software

4. Lacai

Qualifications

A. Professional
1. Bachelors degree in Education Counseling Social Work or related field; Masters preferred.
2. Two or more years experience advising or mentoring high school students especially from underrepresented or potential first-generation backgrounds.
3. Knowledge of and experience with college/university admissions financial aid procedures.
5. Experience in career identification and awareness.
6. Familiarity with the academic economic social and cultural concerns of at-risk youth and be sensitive to their needs.
7. Familiarity with AI tools that support learning advising and data tracking

B. Personal

1. Must be highly organized and able to multi-task efficiently.
2. Must have highly developed communication skills and be willing to work as a team member.
3. Must possess a positive attitude and the ability remain optimistic under moderately stressful conditions.
4. Must have the ability to be encouraging and sensitive yet professional when working with program students parents and staff.
5. Must be a creative problem solver.

Other Qualifications: Because of ACUs affiliation with the Church of Christ this employee must be a professing Christian and fully supportive of the Christian mission and purpose of the University.

Physical DemandsThese are physical demands that are regularly required to perform this job:
1. Sitting looking at a computer monitor or on feet for prolonged periods of time.
2. Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
3. Must have a valid drivers license.
4. Must be able to work extended hours including some Saturdays Thursday evenings and extended summer hours.
5. Must be able to supervise and coordinate activities for high school students.
6. Travel expectations: as high as 30% per year.Additional Information

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race color age sex disability genetic information national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the universitys financial and physical assets. Therefore Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.